Page 4 of Can't Be Love

The girl sighed and stopped straining. She looked at me and surprise showed on her face. “Oh, hey, I’m Sydney. I don’t think we’ve met.”

“Lily,” I said. “I’m here visiting with Maddie.”

“Oh, so you’re one of the Westin wolves?” she asked with obvious curiosity. “It’s crazy about Maddie right? It’s all the Pack talks about.”

I cringed, knowing how much my friend hated being in the spotlight. It was one of the reasons she’d waited so long to return home.

I shrugged in response. “It was a shock at first, but I guess I’ve had awhile to get over it. I’m just glad Liam found her and brought her home.”

“Oh, definitely—and Liam Westin as her true mate—wow, he’s super hot,” Sydney said.

I couldn’t help it. I snorted. “Gross. He’s my twin brother.”

She looked surprised by my confession. “Really? You’re Lily Westin?”

I nodded.

“Wow. That’s so cool. Hey, would you like to get a drink and hang out some time?” she asked.

I looked at Maddie. Liam and Patrick were still running interference for her and I knew Sara would need to eat soon, giving her an excuse to get away from everyone’s good intentions. I glanced up at the Alpha house, wondering if Thomas was still in there or not, deciding it was best not to chance it. I wasn’t ready to face him.

“It’s been a long day. I could really use a drink now. You free?”

She seemed surprised, but genuinely smiled. “Of course, come on.”

Sydney linked her arm through mine and escorted me away from the crowd. We walked back down the main strip of town. I couldn’t help but think that only moments ago I had practically skipped down this same street in search of my mate, so carefree and blissfully ignorant. It already felt like a lifetime ago. Recognizing Thomas as my mate was quickly changing me, and I was freaking out. I didn’t want him for a mate. I needed a very stiff drink in hopes of passing out and waking up tomorrow to find it had all been one big nightmare.

She led me into a rustic looking building. The floor was planked wood and there were peanut shells crushed all over it.

“I know it’s not much to look at, but it has a full bar and the best damn steaks you’ll ever eat,” Sydney admitted.

“Sounds heavenly,” I told her.

“Hey Syd, you seen her yet?” the waitress asked. She was wearing a too-short skirt with a crop top, but she seemed friendly enough. I scolded myself for my bad habit of being a snob when it came to other people’s attire. I never said it aloud, but I always judged them in my head.

“Yes, she looked good. Happy. I only saw her in passing though, didn’t get to talk to her. Milly, this is Lily Westin, Madelyn’s mate’s twin sister.” The ladies shared a knowing look that told me there wouldn’t be any more talk of my best friend, which was probably best for everyone present.

“Hi,” I said, smiling as pleasantly as I could muster.

“Hey, welcome to Collier. We’re all really happy you’re here and finally brought Madelyn home,” Milly said before turning back to Sydney. “How’s Thomas holding up? Everyone’s been worried sick about him. You had a chance to talk to him?”

Sydney shook her head sadly. “No, he took off as soon as I got there and there were too many people around to chase him down. He didn’t cause a scene or anything when he greeted her. So, hopefully that’s a good sign. I’ll see him tonight and judge for myself.”

The insinuation Sydney was making regarding my mate had my body on fire as I bit back a growl.My mate?No, no, no, no, not Thomas. I couldn’t think of him like that. The stupid bond was making me feel things I didn’t want to feel. It had to stop. I took in a deep breath.

“So, you’re close with Thomas then?” I asked innocently. Where the hell had that come from? I didn’t care if this girl was close to him or not. I couldn’t care. He was Thomas Collier. I hated him.

Milly laughed. “You’re looking at our next Pack Mother right here, sweetie,” she said proudly.

My eyes widened and flew to the girl before me. All I saw was red and there was a pounding in my ears. He couldn’t have taken a mate, because he was my mate.Mate,my wolf growled in my head. I locked my jaw and ground my teeth as Sydney flushed.

“Someday, I hope,” she confessed.

Milly grinned. “She’s gonna make one hell of a Pack Mother, too. Those two have been inseparable since childhood. Now what can I get you ladies?”

“How about a beer,” Sydney said.

“Whiskey, neat,” I said. “Screw neat, just bring the bottle.”

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